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Seriously, this issue brings bad memories for me. I remember sitting in class, wondering if I'd receive a flower, and agonizing over the thought that I wouldn't.

What if I'm the only one who doesn't receive one?How embarrassing.Everyone will know I'm not loved.

It was a stressful situation, and not just for me. I remember girls purchasing flowers for themselves, hoping to show others that they were lovable. I sigh when I remember those young girls, and think to myself, "If only."

If only I could go back in time and send a message to my younger self, as well as the other teens who were agonizing beside me. I'd write a note on beautiful stationary, delivering it on the same day the flowers were being delivered. It would say something like this:

Dear friend,

You don't need a flower to prove you are lovable.You are. You already are. You have a beautiful future ahead of you, one filled with people who will absolutely adore you. There'll be love and laughter...hugs and flowers...and a heart that is full and happy. Don't listen to those negative thoughts swirling in your mind right now. Great things are right around the corner for you. So, enjoy your day, enjoy your friends, and keep chasing those dreams. Your story is just beginning, my friend. Just beginning.

The first party was anything but fun. I shopped for hours, worried about what to wear. I kept trying to guess what they would be wearing. What will help me blend in? What will they like? They love to comment on people's style. I finally found the perfect ensemble, one I thought they'd notice and appreciate. Yes, I was disappointed when they loved everyone else's outfits, but never noticed mine. Still, I felt good, so I let it slide.

I smiled and tried to join in their conversations, asking questions and making small talk. They'd answer quickly and turn back to each other, making me feel like an outsider. The minutes ticked by like hours, as I sat politely, watching these people I'd known for years ignore me. It was such a relief to finally leave, not having to rack my brain about what I could do to get them to accept me.

Several weeks later, I attended another party. I was nervous about going, the feelings from the last gathering weighing heavy on my heart. I was greeted with smiles and warm hugs. They asked me to sit at their table, and we talked. When they noticed I was quiet, they'd ask me questions so I could join in. Their comments were warm and accepting.

As they talked, I looked around the table, amazed at the acceptance they'd given me. I barely knew them, yet they made me feel like I'd been a part of their group forever. It felt good. It felt comfortable. We laughed and chatted for hours, none of us wanting to leave. It was wonderful.

I learned something very important that day.

Belonging is much better than fitting in.

For years, I had wanted to fit in with a group of people, trying to be something I wasn't so they'd accept me. I dressed differently, kept my opinions to myself, and sat quietly while they treated me indifferently.

Then I found a group of people where I could be myself and they appreciated it. I belonged, and it felt good.

It made me wonder why I spent so much time trying to fit in with that other group. It wasn't worth the time and worry I gave it, especially when there are people out there who make me love and appreciate who I am.

I'm a happy-go-lucky, hard-working, fixer-upper, encouraging, church-loving girl who loves creating, cooking, and giving. I'm not perfect, but I'm beginning to love the way God made me.

What about you? What's one thing that makes you uniquely you? Have you found a group where you belong?

My mouth dropped open, but when I saw the pleading look in her eyes, I didn't say anything. I just smiled and looked over at her friends. They were nodding at my daughter in approval.

I went into the kitchen, and my eyes scanned the special purchases I had made for her birthday lunch. A frown of worry formed on my face. Why was she pretending to be like her friends? Didn't they love her for who she was?

Sweet girl, you're special just the way you are. Why are you trying to be someone else?

The truth is, the world will never get another girl exactly like my daughter, nor will they get someone exactly like you.

You are both an original, not a copy. When you try to live like someone else in order to get their approval, a part of you disappears and prevents you from living life fully. Like my daughter that day, who ate plain salad for her birthday instead of the meal she had been begging me to serve.

I know, friend, how hard it is to live under the pressure of feeling like you're not good enough. But an imperfect you is much better than a copied version of someone else. And it's much more fulfilling.

As Steve Jobs, the computer inventor said, "Your time is limited. Don’t waste it trying to live someone else’s life."

What would you do if you woke up one morning and was labeled the world's ugliest person?That's what happened to Lizzie Valasquez, but she didn't let it bring her down. She ignored all of the mean things that were said to her and used that negativity to light her fire and follow her dreams.

"Use that negativity you have in your life to make yourself better, because I guarantee you, you will win...Brave starts here." Lizzie Valasuez

"I used to think the words spoken about us describe who we are, but now I know they shape who we are." Bob Goff

What we believe about ourselves has a powerful impact on who we become.

I've seen it happen. People with limited abilities find themselves doing amazing things because someone they trusted told them they could.

Words are like that.

They have a power of their own.A power that can change everything. A power that opens doors.Which doors we open depends upon which words we choose to believe...the negative ones or the positive.

Wilma Rudolph, an Olympic runner, chose to listen to the positive and her life was changed forever. When she was four years old, she had a disease called polio, which causes people to be crippled and unable to walk. This is how she describes that time in her life:

It's easy to put people into boxes, especially when we don't know their whole story.

Take this girl I know. She cut school, hung out with a wild crowd, and ended up having a baby right out of high school. Everyone labeled her as a wild child with no future.Then one night I heard her story.

She told me what life was like for her as a young girl; how, when she was still in elementary school, her father started abusing her. She talked about how scared she was in her room at night, so she would sneak out of the house and hang out with the only kids that were up that time of the evening. She mentioned how happy she had been when she met a kind, young man who wanted to marry her. She hadn't thought anyone would want her after what she'd been through, and she was so excited to be able to move out of her house and away from her father. She believed they would make a life together, but it hadn't worked out the way she had wished. At the end of her story she smiled and told me about her daughter, the college classes she's taking, and her dreams for the future.

With one story, she went from a "wild child" to an "incredible 'survivor."

Stories are game changers. They break down the walls that separate us and let us see each other for who we really are. They get rid of the stereotypes.

We should all be brave enough to open up and tell our stories. Even more importantly, we should seek each other's stories.​People are never as black and white as they seem.